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HiFiMAN HE 560 V4Image © Amazon

HiFiMAN HE 560 V4

60/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$480
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
HiFiMAN
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2016

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound7.8

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a mostly neutral, technically capable sound, though it may require EQ to bring out its best bass response. It is praised for being lightweight and comfortable, offering strong value at discounted prices, but its treble can occasionally come across as sharp, and the build quality on newer units feels less premium. This wired model includes a balanced connection option and detachable cable, making it a flexible choice for desktop setups.

What works

  • Very comfortable and lightweight design
  • Excellent technical performance and low distortion
  • Near-neutral tuning that responds well to EQ
  • Detachable cable with balanced support
  • Strong value when found at a discount

What doesn't

  • Treble can be overly sharp at times
  • Bass is light without equalization
  • Build materials and headband feel less premium on newer versions
  • Hard to recommend at full retail price

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - HiFiMAN HE 560 V4
Driver75 mm planar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Driver size75 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response15 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance45 Ω
Sensitivity90 dB/mW

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

soundphilereview.com

90

The reviewer describes the HE-560 as a very comfortable, lightweight planar headphone with a near-neutral tuning and strong technical performance. They also note that the treble can sometimes be too sharp and that the newer version uses worse materials and headband construction.

Read the full review

audiosciencereview.com

The reviewer finds the HE560 V4 has a typical Hifiman frequency response with a droop above 1 kHz, but very low distortion. Without EQ, the sound is light on bass, but with equalization, spatial qualities and tonality become excellent. The reviewer cannot recommend it at the retail price of $899, but at the discounted price of around $260 it is acceptable, though there are better choices like the HE400SE.

Read the full review

head-fi.org

Across the Head-Fi reviews, the HE-560 is generally praised for comfort, sound quality, and value, with several reviewers rating it highly in those areas. The overall impression is that it is a well-liked open-back planar headphone, though impressions vary by reviewer and setup.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 4 videos

Reviewers agree the HE 560 V4 offers exceptional value, especially at discounted prices, with premium build quality, comfort, and detailed, natural sound that exceeds expectations for the cost.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent value at discounted prices
  • Premium build and lightweight comfort
  • Detailed, natural sound with wide soundstage

Reviewers flagged

  • Requires a powerful amplifier to sound its best
  • Open-back design leaks sound, unsuitable for noisy environments
  • Ear pads snug for larger ears; plastic finish prone to fingerprints
10:32

The Best Headphones Compared - Hifiman HE6SE V2 vs HE560 V4 vs HE4XX

Thrift Shop Reviews6.9K viewsSep 2021

The reviewer compares three Hifiman planars and concludes the HE560 V4 is the best value, especially at its open-box price, offering near-flagship performance for far less. While the HE6SE V2 has better soundstage and layering, the difference is minimal and not worth the price jump, and the HE4XX is a solid budget option but less refined. The reviewer highly recommends the HE560 V4 as the standout deal.

52:20

This is what $900 sounds like!? HiFiMan HE560 V4 Headphone Unboxing and Initial Thoughts

Cpgeek.org5.8K viewsDec 2020

The reviewer unboxes the HiFiMan HE 560 V4 and shares initial impressions, noting the build quality and design improvements over cheaper models, but emphasizes the need for a powerful amplifier due to low efficiency. He is impressed by the value at the sale price of $269 compared to the $900 MSRP, though he has not yet fully evaluated the sound quality and plans to provide more detailed thoughts after using a better amp.

33:35

(POWERHOUSE) Hifiman HE560 V4 - Headphone Highlight

Master Marslander2.8K viewsApr 2022

The reviewer purchased the HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 on a steep discount and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. They found the build quality to be premium, the comfort to be solid, and the sound to far exceed their low expectations, making it a strong recommendation despite some minor quirks like ear pad sizing and a plastic construction.

3:38

HiFiMan HE-560 V4: Exquisite Planar Sound!

Prime Tech Reviews76 viewsMay 2025

The reviewer finds the HiFiMan HE-560 V4 to be an excellent pair of open-back planar headphones, praising their lightweight comfort, wide soundstage, and detailed, natural sound. They note the need for a dedicated amplifier and a quiet listening environment due to sound leakage, but conclude the headphones offer exceptional value for audiophiles.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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